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 [28KB 8' 21"]
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The castle of Vautsberg on the Rhine. Prince Henry and Elsie stand on the terrace. It is the evening of their marriage day. The sound of bells heard from a distance.
| Prince Henry |
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We are alone; the wedding guests
Ride down the hill with plumes and cloaks,
And the descending dark invests
The forest's hoar and haunted oaks. |
| Elsie |
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What are those bells that ring so slow,
So mellow, musical, and low? |
| Prince Henry |
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They are the bells of Geisenheim
That with their melancholy chime
Ring out the curfew of the sun. |
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| Prince Henry |
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They are done.
Dear Elsie, many years ago
These same soft bells at eventide
Rang in the ears of Charlemagne,
As, seated by Fastrada's side
At Ingelheim, in all his pride,
He heard their sound with secret pain.
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| Elsie |
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Their voices only speak to me
Of peace and deep tranquility,
And endless confidence in thee. |
| Prince Henry |
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Thou know'st the story of her ring,
How when the court went back to Aix
Fastrada died; and how the king
Sat watching by her night and day,
Night and day;
Till into one of the blue lakes
Which water that delicious land,
They cast the ring drawn from her hand;
And the great moon-arch sat serene
And sad beside the fated shore,
Nor left the land for evermore.
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| Elsie |
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That was true love. |
| Prince Henry |
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For him the queen
Ne'er did what thou has done for me.
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| Elsie |
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Wilt thou as fond and faithful be?
Wilt thou so love me after death? |
| Prince Henry |
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Thou has Fastrada's ring.
Beneath the calm blue waters of thine eyes,
Deep in thy steadfast soul it lies,
And, undisturb'd by this world's breath,
With magic light,
With magic light its jewels shine.
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| Elsie |
Prince Henry |
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In life's delight, in death's dismay, |
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In life's delight, in death's dismay, |
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In storm and sunshine, night and day, |
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In storm and sunshine, night and day, |
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In health and sickness |
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In health and sickness, in decay, |
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in decay, |
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In storm and sunshine, night and day, |
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In health and sickness, in decay, |
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In health and sickness, in decay, |
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Here and hereafter, |
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Here and hereafter, |
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Here and hereafter I am thine, |
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Here and hereafter I am thine, |
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I am thine! |
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I am thine! |
Date modified
8 December, 2006
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